Housed in a stark, gray brick and concrete space designed by the provocative Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, this is said to be the first gallery in China devoted to photography, exhibiting works that, at times, explore the grittier side of modern Chinese life.

The dim sum menu at this restaurant in the Opposite House hotel includes fluffy barbecued pork buns, pan-fried turnip cakes and walnut milk. Afterwards, admire the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s futuristic design in the lobby-cum-gallery space.

At this hutong speakeasy with antique furniture and no sign on the door, a mostly young crowd sips shot glasses of the blinding grain alcohol called baijiu from a menu that varies by strength and flavor.

Set in a renovated factory with exposed beams and red lanterns, this is the kind of place that has Bollinger on ice and a gong to announce the arrival of your bird, which has been crisped in an oven with date wood to enhance the flavor.

Built as a prince’s home in the 17th century, the complex is today one of the most active — and colorful — Buddhist temples in the city. Outside the gingko-lined entrance are shops crammed with Buddhist trinkets and incense.